Issue link: https://maltatoday.uberflip.com/i/1200489
3 maltatoday | WEDNESDAY • 15 JANUARY 2020 NEWS Get here by bus: 61, 62, 209 Our offices will be closed on 17 th January (noon) and will reopen on 27 th January at the new premises. For further details visit: www.rews.org.mt CONTINUED FROM PAGE 1 But not the same could be said of the other deputy leader of the Labour Party, Chris Cardona, who was moved out of the economy ministry. Cardona is said to have refused an al- ternative portfolio and will now not form part of the Cabinet. Michael Farrugia was set to lose the home affairs portfolio but is expected to retain a place in Cabinet. Edward Scicluna's meeting barely last- ed 10 minutes, an indication that he may hold on to the finance portfolio. The meetings with MPs dragged on for a whole day, stretching into the night. Among those summoned to Castille were backbenchers Rosianne Cutajar, Alex Muscat, Stefan Zrinzo Azzopardi, Byron Camilleri and Clayton Bartolo. They are expected to have some role in Cabinet. On his way into Castille in the morn- ing, Abela kept the cards to his chest: "All would be revealed in due course." Abela emerged victorious in a race against Chris Fearne, obtaining the sup- port of 57.9% of party members. Julia Farrugia Portelli and Rosianne Cutajar mum Former reforms parliamentary secretary Julia Farrugia Portelli did not comment as she exited Castille, telling waiting jour- nalists that it was the Prime Minister's prerogative and wait for the official com- munication. Similarly, backbench MP, Rosianne Cutajar did not comment. Edward Zammit Lewis: "I am happy as long as the PL is in government" Former equality minister Edward Zam- mit Lewis exhibited little enthusiasm as he exited Castille after meeting Robert Abela, insisting that he trusted the Prime Minister. He described his meeting as "good", adding that all MPs will be helping Abela form his government. "I am happy as long as the PL is in government," Zam- mit Lewis said when asked whether he was happy with the meeting's outcome. Michael Farrugia: "I have a role in cabinet" Former home affairs minister Michael Farrugia appears to have lost his portfo- lio but will still be part of Cabinet. In a resigned tone, he told waiting journalists that he had a role to play in Cabinet, but did not elaborate. Edward Scicluna in short 10-minute meeting Former finance minister Edward Sci- cluna's meeting with Abela only last 10 minutes, in what is being interpreted as a continuation of his previous role. On exiting Castille, Scicluna said: "It is up to the Prime Minister to announce devel- opments. I said what I had to say; he said what he had to say." Michael Falzon: 'It is Prime Minister's discretion to choose his Cabinet' Michael Falzon described the Prime Minister as "a responsible person" and in- sisted that this was not a question of hav- ing a positive discussion. "It is the Prime Minister's discretion to choose his Cabi- net," Falzon said upon exiting Castille. Chris Cardona moved out of economy ministry Chris Cardona has lost the economy portfolio, with rumours suggesting that he has been offered the tourism min- istry instead. However, Cardona is un- derstood to have turned down the offer and will not be a member of Abela's Cabinet. Evarist Bartolo: 'I am happy to contin- ue serving the country' Former education minister Evarist Bartolo told journalists his discussion with the Prime Minister went "very well". He did not lift the lid on what portfolio he will hold but Bartolo ex- ited Castille together with former par- liamentary secretary in the education ministry, Clifton Grima. "I am happy to continue serving the country," Bartolo said. Silvio Schembri: 'PM's decisions in country's best interest' Former parliamentary secretary Silvio Schembri said the Prime Minister's de- cisions were "in the country's best in- terest", in his comments upon exiting Castille in the afternoon. Schembri and former Gozo minister Justyne Caruana were the first two people summoned to the Office of the Prime Minister this morning. Caruana is reportedly still in- side Castille. Owen Bonnici says he had 'positive discussion' Former justice minister Owen Bonn- ici said he had a "positive discussion" with the Prime Minister, in comments after exiting Castille. Bonnici reiterated the standard reply that it was the Prime Minister's prerogative to appoint his Cabinet and make the announcements at the appropriate time. Sources said Bonnici has been moved out of the jus- tice portfolio. Robert Abela starts forming his Cabinet Deputy PM Chris Fearne on his first of two visits to Castille yesterday morning